In the Witness this week

Marriage amendment coalition announces endorsements as petition deadline nears ‘We are behind,’ leader admits; concern about apathy expressed Published January 12, 2006: TALLAHASSEE (FBW)–Backers of the proposed Florida Marriage Protection Amendment held simultaneous news conferences at nine locations across the state Jan. 6 to announce the endorsement of the state constitutional amendment by hundreds of religious, political and business leaders and to announce an “ultimate mailing deadline” of Jan. 23 to receive petitions.
‘My baby brother loves me,’ says youngster Published January 12, 2006: TAMPA (FBW)—Doug and Cally Walters prayed for Joshua while he was still in the womb. Shortly after Cally was handed her blond, blue-eyed newborn baby boy she felt the same sense of humility and almost overwhelming gratitude that shook her when her firstborn Abigail made her debut five years earlier.
Soldier, BCF grad shares love with Iraqi orphans Published January 12, 2006: BAGHDAD, IRAQ (BCF)–As democracy strives to take root in Iraq the resulting clash of powers and terrorist attacks are the story of the day. According to one U.S. soldier, however, there is so much more to the military’s work that is never communicated outside of Iraq.

Opinion

Editorial

Exposing the ugly truth of partial-birth abortions JAMES A. SMITH SR. Executive Editor: Even while millions of Americans will once again observe this month the notorious anniversary of Roe v. Wade, the 1973 Supreme Court decision that legalized abortion on demand in our nation, developments in the federal courts and – unexpectedly – the entertainment industry continue to expose the ugly truth that abortion is the unjust taking of human life.

Point of View

Serendipitous search reveals 'laws of absolute honesty' JOHN SULLIVAN executive director-treasurer Florida Baptist Convention

At the end of each year I make some kind of effort (or pretense) of cleaning up my desk and personal files (or piles). It is not unusual to remember something I tucked away and to begin the search for the “Holy Grail.” It is amazing how much good stuff you forgot you possessed. Often in the search, serendipity happens. Serendipity is when you are looking for one thing and you come across a better thing.

BREAKPOINT: A winsome witness: Christians in the public square CHARLES COLSON Breakpoint

During last fall’s battles over judicial nominations – resuming this week – I was reminded of the old adage that only your best friends tell you when your breath smells.

Thin lines of choice GINAMARIE L. GLOE

HI!

I am always willing to share about my experiences with Florida Baptist Children’s Home but am more honored to share about what God has done though it.

The equality of all humans–even the unborn SCOTT KLUSENDORF Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission

Suppose that you have only moments to make a case for the lives of the unborn with an unchurched friend. If your friend rejects the authority of Scripture to make this argument, is your case hopeless? Not at all. You can defend biblical truth on abortion using rational arguments that even a secular person can accept.

Letters to the Editor

Letters to the Editor Published January 12, 2006: Letters to the Editor may not reflect the views or opinions of the Witness. Letters may be mailed, faxed or submitted using our online form. Only letters marked clearly for publication, signed with address will be considered for use. Letters are subject to editing. Please limit letters to 250 words.

Florida

Florida News

Marriage amendment coalition announces endorsements as petition deadline nears ‘We are behind,’ leader admits; concern about apathy expressed: TALLAHASSEE (FBW)–Backers of the proposed Florida Marriage Protection Amendment held simultaneous news conferences at nine locations across the state Jan. 6 to announce the endorsement of the state constitutional amendment by hundreds of religious, political and business leaders and to announce an “ultimate mailing deadline” of Jan. 23 to receive petitions.
Soldier, BCF grad shares love with Iraqi orphans: BAGHDAD, IRAQ (BCF)–As democracy strives to take root in Iraq the resulting clash of powers and terrorist attacks are the story of the day. According to one U.S. soldier, however, there is so much more to the military’s work that is never communicated outside of Iraq.
$22 million facility dedicated in Clearwater
Evangelistic ‘stepping stones’ lead to church growth: BRADENTON (FBC)–“I do church ministry as a whole like a youth minister,” said Pastor Tim Passmore. “We have events people can invite their friends to and then those events become stepping stones for people to come into the church.”
Jacksonville honors Vines for service and dedication
Bold action needed in final days of gathering petitions: JACKSONVILLE (FBC)–The images flashed on the screen are startling: Two men jubilantly kiss each other; a robed minister signs a marriage license for a male couple; a beaming man drapes his arm amorously around another man’s shoulder; two women hug at the obvious conclusion of their nuptials. And on each, the caption reads: “Gay marriage became legal in Boston May, 2004.”
USAF sergeant graduates from Weekend College: GRACEVILLE (BCF)–Four fall BCF grads are thankful for The Baptist College of Florida’s (BCF) commitment to finding innovative ways to deliver higher education programs. The group of graduates includes one from the college’s distance site in Jacksonville, two from the Orlando site and one from the Weekend College in Graceville.

Florida News Briefs

Mission teams needed in Europe
2006 Acteens Activator Training
Seven churches started

Florida Focus

Florida Focus: A one-time announcement of special events is a free service provided by the Witness to Florida Baptist churches. Please send materials at least three weeks before the date of the event, to Florida Baptist Witness, 1230 Hendricks Ave., Jacksonville, FL 32207, fax 904-346-0696 or submitted using our online form. Items received after deadline may appear in our exclusive on-line version.

National

Seminary News

GGBTS’ Iorg underscores dependence on God: SAN FRANCISCO (BP)–Golden Gate Baptist Theological Seminary faculty, staff, family members and friends gathered at historic First Baptist Church in San Francisco to celebrate fall graduation Dec. 16. President Jeff Iorg challenged the 41 graduates to depend on God throughout their ministry.
New Orleans Seminary holds post-Katrina graduation: BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (BP)–New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary celebrated an historic graduation Dec. 17 – its first since Hurricane Katrina. In spite of the disruption caused by the storm at the start of the semester, 137 graduates completed their degrees.
Akin reminds SEBTS grads of virgin birth miracle: WAKE FOREST, N.C. (SEBTS)–Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary celebrated its fall 2005 commencement ceremonies on Dec. 16, 2005, with 130 students graduating from its graduate and undergraduate programs.
Seven Florida SWBTS students receive degrees: FORT WORTH, Texas (SWBTS)–Seven students claiming Florida as their home state graduated from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth during winter commencement on Friday, December 9.
Albert Mohler cites Stephen’s martyrdom: LOUISVILLE, Ky. (BP)–Like the first Christian martyr Stephen, ministers must be willing to proclaim the Gospel faithfully even under the threat of death, R. Albert Mohler Jr. said during his fall commencement address at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary.

Features

Sanctity of Human Life

‘My baby brother loves me,’ says youngster: TAMPA (FBW)—Doug and Cally Walters prayed for Joshua while he was still in the womb. Shortly after Cally was handed her blond, blue-eyed newborn baby boy she felt the same sense of humility and almost overwhelming gratitude that shook her when her firstborn Abigail made her debut five years earlier.

Media Montage

Former challenger to Tiger Woods labors for Christ: BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (BP)–If a SportsCenter trivia question asked, “Which golfer finished high school ranked No. 2 behind Tiger Woods?” most people would scan the PGA Tour roster for possible answers. But they would be looking in the wrong place.

Bible Study

Family Bible Study

January 22: Character matters Proverbs 4:23-27; 6:16-19; Matthew 15:16-20: Wiley Richards is a retired professor of theology and philosophy at The Baptist College of Florida in Graceville.
January 29: Sexual purity matters Genesis 2:18, 21-25; Proverbs 5:15-20; Romans 13:11-14: Wiley Richards is a retired professor of theology and philosophy at The Baptist College of Florida in Graceville.
January 15: Life Matters Matthew 9:18-31, 36-38: Wiley Richards is a retired professor of theology and philosophy at The Baptist College of Florida in Graceville.

Explore the Bible

January 22: Live as a godly neighbor Romans 13:1-10, 12b: Troy Bush is the minister of evangelism and missions at Olive Baptist Church in Pensacola.
January 29: Consider others Romans 14:1-12: Troy Bush is the minister of evangelism and missions at Olive Baptist Church in Pensacola.
January 15: Live in respect Leviticus 19:32; 2 Samuel 19:31-39; 1 Timothy 5:1-2: Troy Bush is the minister of evangelism and missions at Olive Baptist Church in Pensacola.